Introduction to SOLIDWORKS Modeling

The software modeling of any assembly or part is the easiest way of expressing the dimensions and drawing of that assembly or part on Drawing Sheet. This drawing sheet is further used for manufacturing the assembly and parts. Software makes it easy for the designer to draw the complicated geometries that would be otherwise impossible to draw by hand on paper.

Solidworks is most commonly used
software used for accomplishing this goal and it is the most commonly used software
as well. It is not only user friendly but its controls are relatively easier to
use which makes it most appropriate choice for software modelling.

SOLIDWORKS Modeling with Cosmetic Threads

Solidworks is used for modeling almost every kind of complicated shape. There are many commands and annotations to draw and express this modeling on a drawing sheet.

What is SOLIDWORKS Cosmetic Threads?

Cosmetic Threads are the threads used in Solidworks to express the thread on a drawing sheet where the whole profile of the thread need not be drawn. In other words, it is the easiest way to show the thread on a part profile without complicating the part geometry. By characteristics, a cosmetic thread constitutes the minor i.e. inner diameter of a thread on a boss or the major i.e. outer diameter of a thread on a hole. This kind of thread can also be used to call out the outer threads that are present on the surface of a screw. Another interesting feature of these threads is that they can also be used to Hole callout to indicate the inner threading.

Tutorial for Cosmetic Threading

The heart and soul of any software used for modeling is to always stick to basics and always consult the literature that comes with it. Same is the case with Solidworks. You can always consult the literature whenever you come across with any kind of problem. Now coming on to the tutorial in which we are required to model Cosmetic Threads on to an extruded surface. The description of cosmetic threading is already explained above. This tutorial has been made using Solidworks ’16.

First, we will start by creating a new project file by opening the software. When you open software file, a blank window appears on screen. We can create new project file by clicking on file and the new. Following commands are to be followed for creating a new project file File>New>Part>OK. The arrow points to the location to be followed:

After completing the previous step a new window will appear asking the type of file you want to create. Select PART and then click OK. A new project is created. The black arrow in picture below will guide you to your selection.

The
next step involves defining the geometry of the part upon which the cosmetic
thread has to be formed. For this click on SKETCH and sketch the surface. The
black arrow in picture below will guide you to your selection.

After
clicking on Sketch, you will be prompt to select the sketching plane. The
sketching plane is that upon which the 2D drawing is sketch. You can select any
plane depending upon you drawing feasibility. In this case, we have selected
TOP PLANE to sketch our 2D diagram. The black arrow in picture below will guide
you to your selection.

Now the next step involves defining the geometry upon the plane we selected. For our purpose, we are going to draw a circle, as we want our screw to be circular. Select the option of circle as shown by arrow and give the dimension of drawn circle in dimension box.

Now
we will create a 3D extruded model from our 2D diagram that we drew earlier.
The 3D surface can be extruded easily as show by arrow. Simply click of FEATURE
window and then on the option of EXTRUDED BASE/BASE as pointed by arrow.

After
extruding the 2D diagram, we have to define the dimension of extruded surface.
The dimensions can easily be defined in dimension box as shown by arrow.

Now
the next step is to define the edges of screw. For this purpose, we are going
to either chamfer or form a fillet at the edge of screw. The choice depends
upon user requirement. In this case we are chamfering the edge of screw. To
chose the option of chamfer click on FILLET in
toolbox and then select CHAMFER.

The
next step is to define the characteristic of chamfer and it can easily by
defined in dimension box as shown by arrow. The distance and angle of chamfer
solely depends upon user requirement.

The
next step is the most important step for Cosmetic Threading. Click on INSERT.A
bar will open. Scroll through various options, you’ll see the option of ANNOTATIONS,
scroll the cursor to it and a bar will open where you will see the option of
COSMETIC THREAD. Click on it. The black arrow in picture below will guide you to
your selection.

After
clicking on the option of Cosmetic Thread, we are now required to define the
edge upon which this thread is to be formed. To define the edge upon which the
cosmetic thread is to be formed, just Click on the edge you want to form the
thread. The black arrow in picture below will guide you to your selection.

After
selecting and defining the edge, we have to define the Thread Standard. Thread
Standards are the industrial standard for defining the threading profile. Every
thread standard has different characteristics and it depends upon user requirement.
For tutorial purpose we are selecting ISO standard thread as indicated by arrow.

The
next step is to define the type of threading and the choice of type is
dependent on user preference. There are two types of threads namely Machine
Threads and Straight Pipe Tapped Thread. We are selecting Machine Threads as
they are simpler in definition and most commonly used. The black arrow in
picture below will guide you to your selection.

Now
the next step after selecting the thread type is defining the Thread Size.
There are many options to select from and the choice of selection is again
dependent upon user requirement. You can select Thread Size according to your
requirement as indicated by pointer.

The
next step is to choose whether you want to keep the thread Blind, Upto Next or
Through depending upon requirement. The black arrow in picture below will guide
you to your selection.

After
specifying the Thread Characteristics, next step is to define the depth of Thread.
The depth of thread will tell us about the extent of threading. The black arrow
in picture below will guide you to your selection.

After
entering all the required information about Cosmetic Thread, select Tick and
the thread is formed but the problem may arise that the profile of cosmetic
thread may not be visible. Worry not, it can happen and there is a solution to
make the profile visible.

Click
on the option button as shown in above figure and then a dialogue box will open.
Now go through options Select Detailing and Check the box showing Shaded
Cosmetic Threads as indicated by arrow. Now click OK.

The
thread will be visible now as shown below. The black arrow in picture below
will guide you to the profile of cosmetic thread formed.

You
can edit the profile of the thread if the thread formed needs some editing. The
black arrow in picture below will guide you to your selection

Now
next step is to generate a drawing from part file. For this purpose, select
Make Drawing from Part/Assembly by extending the toolbar. The black arrow in
picture below will guide you to your selection

Now
you will be asked to select the size of sheet upon which you want to express
your drawing. Select the desired sheet type and click OK as pointed by arrow.

After
selecting the sheet type and size, you will be asked to define the orientation
of the views on sheet. You can select any orientation depending on your drawing.
We are going to select Front View, as it is most suitable for our design. The
black arrow in picture below will guide you to your selection

In
order to express the view on sheet, just drag the view you want to express on
sheet leave the cursor as pointed by arrow.

The
next step is to show the dimension of Cosmetic Thread on sheet. For this purpose,
Right Click on Cosmetic Thread and select Insert Callout as pointed by arrow.

After
completing the above step you will be able to see the dimension of cosmetic
thread on sheet. Drag the location of dimension on sheet best suitable for
sheet layout. This is the last step for making the Cosmetic Threads and drawing
them on Sheet.